The New Orleans Saints and free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis have agreed on a five-year contract. The deal is worth $26.3 million with $10.5 million in guarantees, including a $6 million signing bonus.

Lewis, a New Orleans native who prepped at O.P. Walker, is the first free agent from another team to sign with the Saints during this free agency period that began Tuesday.

A former third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lewis spent his first three seasons in a reserve role before breaking into the starting lineup in 2012 and turning in a standout season.

"He was a top free agent target for us and I know that he is very excited to be able to come home to play football," Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said in a news release from the team.

Although the 6-foot, 200-pound Lewis didn't have an interception last season, he ranked among the top cornerbacks in the league, breaking up an NFL-best 23 passes. Lewis had 71 tackles and a forced fumble. Last season, Lewis allowed a completion percentage of just 52.7 percent.

"Having grown up here I understand the passion that the fans have for the Saints and I'm blessed to be able to have the chance to play in front of them here in the future," Lewis said in the Saints' release. "I had a great visit with the Saints and am thankful for the time I spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and wish them continued success."